Hello Family and Friends,

We urgently need your support for our brave little fighter, Noa Barreto. 

When Noa was born, doctors and nurses noticed a large solid mass on her inner right leg. She was then transported to a children's hospital for further examination. After several blood tests, scans, a surgical biopsy, and one week after birth, we were told Noa had a stage 3 rhabdomyosarcoma tumor. Our world quickly turned upside down as we were now facing cancer. We blindly didn't even know it was possible to be born with cancer, but there it was happening right before our eyes. We had to quickly overcome the shock of her diagnosis and we began to fight for our baby's life. 

Noa started chemotherapy treatments at 2 weeks olds. We were told her journey would be long but she had great chances of being cancer free one day. However, after 3 months of treatment, an MRI scan showed tumor growth. Our world was once again shattered but we quickly began a more aggressive chemo regimen hoping we would improve her chances. We repeated scans after 6 weeks, but we unfortunately continued to see tumor growth. We were then left with little options but we opted to continue an oral treatment as no parents is ever ready to let go of their baby. 

During early February, Noa was also severely ill from pneumonia and we almost lost her. She spent 6 days intubated and against all odds, she thankfully recovered. We were then able to start an experimental oral chemotherapy in hopes to prolong life. Miraculously, in the last five months and for the first time, Noa’s tumor has been shrinking with every scan. However, the battle is far from over since her tumor is still considered inoperable, leaving us with an uncertain future.

Noa's tumor has also caused a multitude of issues such as bilateral hip dysplasia since birth, scoliosis, and joint disalignment. Her pneumonia has also left her needing suplemental oxygen, and all the chemotherapy has taken a toll on her little body. Noa sees several doctors' and has multiple therapy sessions per week. It's been financially difficult to navigate the past year and it has become increasingly challenging these past couple of months as we try to navigate through our new normal. Our family is fully committed to fighting for Noa's life, but we need your help to get through this difficult time. Donations will directly go towards travel expense's, food, and Noa's medical bills. If you have it in your heart to help our family please do. 
Anything helps. 

Here are a few ways you can support us: